Your Downloads - are they safe?

phil22 November 13, 2015 at 02:28:11

What downloads are you referring to?

trvlr November 13, 2015 at 11:44:55

Regardless of which downloads, and where you get them from... "Always" use the manual/custom installation option - "never" the automatic... Using the manual/custom means "you" can see what s pre-checked for installation - and carefully "uncheck" them all. Thus you can elect to install only actual software app/utility you wish to install, and none of the assorted bundled junk, add-ons, search engines/browser changers etc. all of which are usually "helpfully pre-checked for installation - for your convenience..." Sadly just about every download these days comes with bundle stuff and some is PAI to eradicate... Using teh manual/custom installation path means you can avoid them.. There is also a freebie utility "unchecky" which checks for all those pre-checked boxes too; and unchecks them. But still wise to run the manual/custom route nonetheless. And also use the manual/custom option when you instal it!

LMiller7 November 13, 2015 at 14:11:05

I suspect that the question is referring to products as seen in ads that appear on the forum when not logged in. These products are not provided by this forum. The adds and products are from a third party so no one on this forum can assure you of their safety.

Fingers November 13, 2015 at 21:11:13

Avoid programs and utilities that are in ads, especially those whose claims appear to be too good to be true. If you ask us about utilities and freebees and where to download them and you get an answer from a regular and/or not disputed by a regular then you are probably good to go with it. It is important to know that even downloading a good free program can be annoying and possibly slightly treacherous because most download sites carry ads that are made to appear to be the download button but actually download something else entirely so be careful. Then there is the warning above in #2 to be careful about (even Adobe Reader tries to give you McAfee if you are not wary). You have to be a little bit crazy to keep you from going insane.

DAVEINCAPS November 13, 2015 at 22:11:32

In the right column on this page click on 'My Computing.net'. On the page that opens click 'settings'. Then on the next page check the 'Disable In-Text links and Most Ads on the site' option' Then toward the bottom of the page click 'set/change'. That should stop most of the ads.

Derek November 14, 2015 at 08:00:37

Also there are many methods available for killing intrusive adverts. I haven't seen any for over 10 years, any browser. That's everywhere, without any specific website disabling. Always pop back and let us know the outcome - thanks

Thanks for answers. I also wanted to know are downloads safe and free from other annoying addons such as changing. Should we then use products are from a third party?

Johnw April 14, 2016 at 03:26:00

Use Unchecky to help prevent these third party installs. Nothing is perfect, the badies are always ahead of the goodies, so be vigilant. http://www.softpedia.com/get/System... http://www.freewarefiles.com/Unchec... http://unchecky.com/ A reliable application that aims to protect your computer against third-party components often offered during software installations. WARNING: CNET Download.com downloads now come bundled with opt-out crapware and toolbars ( Same applies to Softonic & Brothersoft ) http://www.groovypost.com/unplugged... I use Softpedia & FreewareFiles.com, they make you aware what Ad-supported programs the author of the program has included. http://win.softpedia.com/index.free... http://www.freewarefiles.com/new_fi... Sample pages http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD... First and foremost, extra attention needs to be paid during installation as ImgBurn offers to create desktop shortcuts to third-party apps, as well as install a browser toolbar onto the host computer, which are not required to ensure the smooth running of the app. SS of above. http://i.imgur.com/jgGYNsP.gif http://i.imgur.com/rqSpp1e.gif This is what ImgBurn tries to install. http://i.imgur.com/ms4DzE9.gif http://i.imgur.com/vVkd39a.gif http://i.imgur.com/rqFVaHs.gif http://i.imgur.com/sm1T7h6.gif http://i.imgur.com/vhkKLYo.gif

Derek April 14, 2016 at 03:28:01

Many (if not most) free programs contain unwanted goodies these days. It is a risk you have to take if you care to use them. Doing a bit of googling about any program you wish to use pays off. Sometimes they are safe if you check carefully for the unwanted stuff during install and uncheck it. Use a custom install where possible. Some folk use this program: https://unchecky.com/ Always pop back and let us know the outcome - thanks